Landfill methane emissions is extracted using wells and pumps and may be used for a
number of purposes. The first of these is on-site electricity production, where the methane
powers a turbine which produces the electricity needed to work the landfill. Generated
electricity may also be sold into the powergrid, creating another chance for the landfill
operator to profit. In addition to electricty, methane may be used in heating applications
such as kilns or dryers, boilers and greenhouses. These two may be combined in what is
known as cogeneration where steam is created in a methane fired boiler and may then
power both an electrical trubine and an engine. Finally, natural gas may be used as an
alternative fuel. Landfill methane has already been used in natural gas where it is added
to pipes. Landfill methane has also been used to power vehicles in the form of compressed
natural gas and experiments are underway to convert it into liquid natural gas.